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geekhack Marketplace => Great Finds => Topic started by: Thechemist on Sat, 22 February 2014, 16:35:31

Title: Another blue label SSK
Post by: Thechemist on Sat, 22 February 2014, 16:35:31
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-IBM-Keyboard-model-M-without-numeric-keypad-/371008799405?pt=US_Vintage_Computing_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5661d902ad
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: n0rvig on Sat, 22 February 2014, 16:55:53
Such an alluring buckling noise maker. "No cable", "untested", but still an SSK. :)
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: dorkvader on Sat, 22 February 2014, 17:56:51
The cable and fucntionality are almost a non-issue. Cables can be made from SDL connectors (about $5 each) or purchaed from unicomp or eBay (roughly $25). As long as the membranes still work, a new controller can be installed (for pretty cheap actually! check out soarer's controller code running on a arduino pro micro. The only undetermined part at this point is the connectors) etc etc.

The other thing that I find offputting is the low-quality purple printing lexmark has used on this model. Of all the buckling spring keycap printing techniques, this is my least favorite, closely followed by "yellow halo: PC model F keycaps.

still, it's an SSK: already up over $100
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: berserkfan on Sat, 22 February 2014, 18:22:44
Another wonderful Hyderconsulting (the seller) product. Seems as though they have plenty of SSKs in bad shape. Bet the price is going to be ridiculous nonetheless. Wonder if the bidders can control themselves to under $200.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: n0rvig on Sat, 22 February 2014, 22:29:12
I think their last SSK went for around 175. I hope this doesn't go over 200, because I'd like to place a few bids for it.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: Pacifist on Sat, 22 February 2014, 22:31:30
I think their last SSK went for around 175. I hope this doesn't go over 200, because I'd like to place a few bids for it.

Good luck. Usually when boards get posted in great finds the prices go higher than they should
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: Elrick on Sat, 22 February 2014, 22:45:06
I think their last SSK went for around 175. I hope this doesn't go over 200, because I'd like to place a few bids for it.

Good luck. Usually when boards get posted in great finds the prices go higher than they should

You're done for buddy.  It'll go stratospheric now that's it's been highlighted here  :thumb: .  If you are going to bid on something DON'T post it here, but if you're not interested in buying it then post it right here for others to jump on it.

Remember that Ebay is strictly for those interested in buying or checking prices in the final bidding countdown.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: berserkfan on Sat, 22 February 2014, 23:59:01
I think their last SSK went for around 175. I hope this doesn't go over 200, because I'd like to place a few bids for it.

Good luck. Usually when boards get posted in great finds the prices go higher than they should

You're done for buddy.  It'll go stratospheric now that's it's been highlighted here  :thumb: .  If you are going to bid on something DON'T post it here, but if you're not interested in buying it then post it right here for others to jump on it.

Remember that Ebay is strictly for those interested in buying or checking prices in the final bidding countdown.

That's why I have totally stopped posting things in this section. I don't want to be responsible for inflating prices any further.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: Pacifist on Sun, 23 February 2014, 00:06:39
I think their last SSK went for around 175. I hope this doesn't go over 200, because I'd like to place a few bids for it.

Good luck. Usually when boards get posted in great finds the prices go higher than they should

You're done for buddy.  It'll go stratospheric now that's it's been highlighted here  :thumb: .  If you are going to bid on something DON'T post it here, but if you're not interested in buying it then post it right here for others to jump on it.

Remember that Ebay is strictly for those interested in buying or checking prices in the final bidding countdown.

That's why I have totally stopped posting things in this section. I don't want to be responsible for inflating prices any further.

But its through your great find that I am typing on my keyboard right now :p
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: berserkfan on Sun, 23 February 2014, 01:38:45
Glad to hear that at least I have been of service.  :p :thumb:.

Actually I still sometimes come across great finds that are BIN, especially for Cherry keyboards that some reseller has a dozen of and wants to sell for cheap. I think in future I can still post these. But I'm definitely not posting any SSKs I see or anything likely to be bid to stratospheric prices by geekhackers. Great finds should help people, not inflate prices and make things even more unaffordable.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 23 February 2014, 09:00:21
Pretty sure that listing has photos of two different keyboards.   The one picture of the back looks like a full-size Model M.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: dustinhxc on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:12:46
Tempting price but why is there an IBM label and a Lexmark label? Also if it ends up not working how much is a new pcb or controller? That's what you'd have to replace right?
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: bueller on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:19:01
Tempting price but why is there an IBM label and a Lexmark label? Also if it ends up not working how much is a new pcb or controller? That's what you'd have to replace right?

Lexmark made both IBM branded and their own line of keyboards in the 90's.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: Techno Trousers on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:19:46
Photos make this look shady for sure. Hopefully that's just a mistake on the seller's part.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: dustinhxc on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:24:17
Tempting price but why is there an IBM label and a Lexmark label? Also if it ends up not working how much is a new pcb or controller? That's what you'd have to replace right?

Lexmark made both IBM branded and their own line of keyboards in the 90's.

Yeah I know, it is usually one of those 2 labels. So why have both?
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: bueller on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:27:39
Tempting price but why is there an IBM label and a Lexmark label? Also if it ends up not working how much is a new pcb or controller? That's what you'd have to replace right?

Lexmark made both IBM branded and their own line of keyboards in the 90's.

Yeah I know, it is usually one of those 2 labels. So why have both?

Oh now I see what you mean. That IBM label isn't on an SSK, must have mixed up their photos and included a full size photo as well.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: Techno Trousers on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:30:34
An an IBM label IS on the SSK, covered by a Lexmark label. Looks suspicious to me.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: bueller on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:36:10
An an IBM label IS on the SSK, covered by a Lexmark label. Looks suspicious to me.

Every Lexmark SSK I've seen has had their label over the original IBM one, not suspicious at all.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: dustinhxc on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:43:20
Oh really? interesting.. I think Ill let it pass and wait for an IBM model. Thanks!
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: bueller on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:45:39
Oh really? interesting.. I think Ill let it pass and wait for an IBM model. Thanks!

If you want the creme of the crop go for an 80's model with a beige logo and thick steel plate. They knocked about 200 grams off the weight by moving to lighter parts in the 90's.
Title: Re: Another blue label SSK
Post by: dustinhxc on Sun, 23 February 2014, 22:48:40
Oh really? interesting.. I think Ill let it pass and wait for an IBM model. Thanks!

If you want the creme of the crop go for an 80's model with a beige logo and thick steel plate. They knocked about 200 grams off the weight by moving to lighter parts in the 90's.

Thanks for the information! Ive seen the Steel plates and think they looked good. Also I was most interested in an 80s model. Good to hear!